Previous Chapter

Next Chapter

---

I started the next day thinking that new religions were frightening. While religious groups that claimed to help people to Awaken were popular, there were also a great number of people the world over that viewed Awakened Ones as a potential threat to safety.

<<The number of reported crimes that made use of superpowers have gone down, but criminal psychology experts claim that this is only because the perpetrators have gotten smarter—>>

<<There is already concern that the creatures called Golem would steal our jobs, but more than that, they—along with the likes of summoned monsters—pose the danger of an individual being able to amass an army—>>

<<Do you know of the monsters called Yuki-onna? These monsters bear a very strong likeness to humans, meaning they can be employed and used however one pleases. From an ethical point of view—>>

<<Minister Arikawa had built—through his sole discretion—a school exclusively for Awakened Ones. There are strong protests from both the ruling and opposing parties about the lack of explanation over the matter. In addition, a journalist who primarily reports on academic issues says that before the said school opens, we must consider whether such a school truly is necessary—>>

<<First and foremost, I am not convinced on having the citizens of our nation bear arms. If the JSDF and the police can’t deal with the monsters, why not ask the US forces for help—>>

<<We can fight back against monsters using the weapons dropped in dungeons! So why is it that we are letting these adventurers freely buy and sell these items!? In the first place, the regulations in place regarding these Item Drops—>>

…I didn’t really get the people in the TV industry. Like, were they advocating for Awakening or not. Or maybe they were simply looking at this from a different perspective…?

Whatever the case, that had little to do with me. Well, I say that but I couldn’t help but protest whenever there was mention in the news of things like reduced subjugation rewards or going back to how Item Drops were previously handled.

Incidentally, I wasn’t quite knowledgeable about Golems, but I found reports talking “private armies with Golems” to be exaggerated. Like, if that was possible, there would be enough government personnel that civilians like us didn’t need to be adventurers.

According to Layla, ordinary Golems weren’t too strong, at least not as strong as those reports made them out to be. Not to mention, not as many Golems could be operated at once. It was a different story for Golems that were made only with materials originating from dungeons—just like the one we were aiming to build—but if you were to make Golems of that high quality and in such great numbers, it would likely be more efficient for you to make use of machines and AI. Magic was convenient, but it wasn’t omnipotent. …supposedly. Ultimately, I was only echoing what I was told.

At any rate, today, just like usual, I was going to a dungeon. Even if TV shows made the Golems look like they were threats to safety, I still had need of one.

As the train I rode shook, I cast my eyes ahead. The dungeon I was going to was located about 30 minutes away on foot from the Abandoned Village dungeon I visited previously. This town was, quite frankly, truly unlucky. Not only did it have an unpopular dungeon, it also had this C rank dungeon.

I alighted from the train and passed through the ticket gates. There was no people here. It was then that I noticed something that wasn’t in front of the station, last week: a large poster with the words “you too can Awaken and ascend to the next stage” along with the image of a bald old man in flashy silver armor spreading his arms. Yes, it was a poster from the Society of the Sage.

I didn’t expect to see something like that even out here in the sticks…or maybe, because it’s precisely this is the sticks that those people have a presence here? I thought this town was down on their luck, but I guess they’re way worse off than that, to the point where they’re grasping at straws.

Anyway, rather than stare at that poster as I waited at the bus stop, I pulled out my phone to play some mobile games. If the people of another town wanted to join a religion, I would say be my guest as it had nothing to with me either way.

The game I opened was rerunning the summer event it had last year titled “The Great Decisive battle of the Boobs Warring States Period”. I promised myself that this time, I would absolutely get the event-exclusive character “Boobs Demon Lord: Nobune”.

I grinded like that as I waited for the bus. According to the schedule though, a bus comes to this stop only twice in one hour…

“Excuse me, may we have a bit of your time?”

“Come again?”

I put my phone in silent mode, so I didn’t even bother to put on earphones. As soon as I noticed someone calling out to me, I looked up from my phone toward the speaker. Oh, and I also hid my phone’s screen. Don’t ask me why.

And the one, or rather the ones to call out to me were two aunties who looked like decent folks.

The question is, what do they want from me?

“Are you perhaps an adventurer, Sir?”

“…err, well”

Not knowing how exactly to respond, I ended up just looking away. I wondered for a moment if they were here to ask for some help, but I got a bad feeling about it and found it hard to answer in the affirmative. And before long, I came to regret not denying that I was an adventurer and walking away.

“We thought as much. We are members of the Society of the Sage, you see.”

“We’re planning on holding a seminar about our Society of the Sage in the town hall of this place, so if you’re interested, you’re welcome to attend it, okay?”

Woah…

If I myself could tell that my face was twitching, the two aunties must have as well. And yet, maintaining a smile on their faces, they only proceeded to hand a flier to me.

“The Society of the Sage offers help not only in the ascetic training to become an Awakened One, but to those who had already Awakened as well.”

“Don’t you feel suffocated by irrationality of our current day society? And don’t you find yourself undeservedly being exploited despite your efforts to do what you could to protect the world as we know it from the dangers of the dungeons?”

“Ss…sorry, I’m, err, not interested in joining any religion.”

“Oh, don’t worry, we’re not asking you to join our faith. It’s just that, don’t you want to vent out your dissatisfaction about the current state of Japan?”

“There are several others with the same worries, you know. Surely, just a conversation with these people won’t be problem, right?”

Oh man, the pressure. …but if this is how it’s gonna be, I have no choice.

“I don’t have those worries though! So, really, I’m good! Totally good! Ahh, I just remembered I have some important matter I have to do! I have to go now!”

I declared so as clearly as I could, pocketed my phone, and then dashed off. After all, I was a believer of the words of a certain historical figure saying that “the best thing to do in a tight spot is to retreat”.

Thankfully, this area I was in had cracked roads as well as country roads going through empty lots and fields, which meant I could dash full-speed and no one would complain.

I fully ignored the aunties behind me who seemed to still be saying something and made a beeline toward the dungeon.

* * *

The modern civilization sure was great…

I got lost along the way, but my phone’s map saved me and eventually got me to my target dungeon. I arrived about 20 minutes later than planned but I made it safely nonetheless. As soon as I entered the Dungeon Store, I finally breathed out a sigh.

I mean, I never thought there would come a day where I would be subjected to a solicitation like that. I would have to take care next time to ensure I would be able to turn down such a solicitation faster.

Ah, my shoes. Are they still good, I wonder?

I could say that my sneakers were of standard, maybe even good, quality but that dash had me worried for it. At a glance, they looked to be still alright…

But once I get home, I should take a proper look at them. If they prove to be worn out, I guess I should go buy a new one.

While being annoyed at how poorly my day was going, I finished changing in the locker room and headed toward the entrance gate to the dungeon. This place was empty of people so I didn’t have to wait in line and just simply entered the dungeon.

Upon crossing the gate, I found myself in the middle of a forest. It wasn’t lost on me that for one reason or another, I had been going to dungeons that were less like the stereotypical labyrinths and more like some place that could be found in nature. Just to be clear though, there were actually more stone-built, labyrinth-like dungeons out there than these nature-type dungeons. It was just that, in regards with Layla’s superpowers and the materials we were looking for, these dungeons were preferable for us.

“Layla, Yukine”

“Yes!”

“Here!”

As I summoned Layla and Yukine out, I undid the fastener on my zweihander and held it at the ready. The gaps between the trees in this dungeon were wide enough, so it seemed like I would be able to swing my sword normally. There weren’t a lot of weeds here though. In exchange, the ground felt a little damp. I wouldn’t go so far to say that the soil had turned into mud, but it did make standing firm a tiny bit more difficult.

“Master, before we start our exploration, I have a suggestion.”

“Mhm?”

While she looked at our surroundings, Layla told me so in a quiet voice.

“As soon as we get back home, I suggest contacting Togo-sama. If it is true that that religious group has ties with the town’s municipal hall, they would likely come to know that you’ve entered this dungeon.”

“And they’ll ambush…no, rather, they’ll know my rank, is that it?”

“Yes. This is a C rank dungeon. So, by entering the dungeon, they will be informed that you are B rank or higher.”

“I see…”

For some reason, Japanese Awakened Ones have a higher stat average than those outside of the country, but even then, most Japanese Awakened Ones had a stat average of C rank. Rumors online had stated that B rank Awakened Ones and above were only less than 10% of the total.

Assuming that religious group was indeed gathering Awakened Ones, then there was a possibility that I would be invited to join, headhunted even.

It was definitely better to inform Togo-san soon.

“But if they’re helping with the ascetic training to become Awakened Ones, why bother recruiting those who had already Awakened…?”

“I don’t have a definite answer for that. Maybe because they’re looking to boost their war potential? Or maybe it’s just how Awakened One supremacists think. Or maybe it’s to stimulate the rate of Awakening through things like having sexual intercourse with those who have already Awakened.”

“Intercourse!?”

I shouted so without thinking and stared wide-eyed at Layla.

That, well, err, c-certainly, I’ve certainly heard rumors about such methods. I remember Uoyama-kun even saying that that method’s more efficient than any other poorly-conceived training method.

“Oh, dear~”

“Yesh!?”

Gently through the gap in my helmet, I felt Yukine’s breath on the nape of my neck. I was wearing rather thick clothes plus the chain mail, so I wasn’t able to fully feel the sensation of her boobs being pressed against my back. Yet, for some reason, her close proximity alone made me feel chilly. I wasn’t able to see her eyes, but my instincts told me that her eyes were currently the coldest they had ever been.

“While I am willing to allow you to have a mistress or one-night lovers…I still feel jealous, you know…?”

“I understand!”

“And when you find yourself filled with carnal desires, just remember that I am here to accept them all…”

“I understand!!!!”

“Hyaa”

In reaction to my shout, Yukine let out a rather quiet squeal. It was cute.

The image of her naked body as we bathed together last night then popped into my head. Her skin was as white as snow and as smooth as the highest quality porcelain. Her shoulders and waist were slender, yet her chest and thighs were so “meaty”.

Not to mention, the sensation of her supple boobs accented by those light pink tips…

“Thank you for the treat!!!”

I mean, being invited by 2 aunties wouldn’t make me want to joint that Society of the Sage anyway! I just reacted earlier because it was the beautiful Layla who mentioned “sexual intercourse”.

“Geez, it’s embarassing when you want me that openly, you know…♡”

Wow, rather than be put off, she’s actually cuddling closer while acting all shy. It finally came, or rather, it has finally come! My springtime! A springtime not of the clear-blue skies, but of the light pink variety!

“Master. You can do what you want with my body as well, and all I ask is that you don’t get involved with that group any further.”

“Layla?”

Hearing Layla say those words, I turned toward her. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to stop myself from looking at her from the top down, noticing her boobs being pushed up by her modified military uniform and the divine realm between her miniskirt and knee-high socks.

Sorry, Layla. I know you’re trying to have a serious conversation here, but I can’t help it, I can’t fight against my instincts.

“I can’t predict what kind of impact that religious group might have toward your survivability and health, Master. In my opinion, we should maintain a moderate distance from them, neither joining them nor being openly hostile.”

“In other words, I should ask Togo-san to turn down the invitation to join in my stead?”

“Yes. I figure even someone like him won’t like it if his “pawn” were to be stolen away by a religious group that has ominous rumors about them.”

“That’s pretty damaging, you know. Like, surely, Togo-san isn’t thinking of me as his pawn.”

Without a doubt in my mind, Togo-san was a good person. He had helped me out numerous times, so I didn’t really want to speak ill of him…

In response to my words, Layla flashed a smile and spoke.

“I’m sorry. I’ll take more care from now on.”

“Eh, ahh, yeah, please. Thank you for understanding…?”

She seemed to be quite wary of Togo-san. I could tell at least that much despite her usual smile and light tone.

Wait, it can’t be that, right?

“Layla,”

“Yes?”

“I don’t swing that way. You have nothing to worry about.”

“Yes, I know.”

She’s jealous…! Oh, she’s definitely jealous! Gah! What a mess! I’m such a sinful man, to bask in the jealousy from women! Is this that trouble from being popular I kept hearing about!? Haa, there’s no helping it, I will have to do something that’ll dispel Layla and Yukine’s worries. As a popular boyfriend, it’s my responsibility! My excitement might have nosedived because of those 2 aunties, but I’ve made a sharp recovery! Alright, let’s gather those Golem materials, and while we’re at it, make some money!!

“At any rate, let’s focus on the dungeon exploration! We can do those other “stuff” when we get home!”

“Yes, dear ♡”

“…yeah! Let’s do our best!”

For some reason, Layla had the kind of look that seemed to want to say “this guy doesn’t really get it, but all’s well that ends well, I guess!” but that was probably because of the jealousy too.

Don’t worry, my girls. My hearts is all yours ☆

“Just one more thing, master”

“What is it, Layla?”

“The face you’re likely making under your helmet, please never make that in the real world, outside of the dungeons. Otherwise, you’ll be making unnecessary enemies.”

“How???”

Why are you saying that when you can’t see my face? Wait, are you telling me that you can see my irritating face through my helmet?

After hearing what Layla had said with a trouble-looking smile, we finally began our dungeon exploration as my excitement subsided back to normal levels.

---

Taroppe-sensei(author)’s Q&A corner

Thank you for reading!

Also, please consider leaving some of your thoughts, a review, and bookmark the title over at the narou site (https://ncode.syosetu.com/n7336ie/)

Your support is appreciated and I hope you continue doing so.

Q: What kind of face was Kyotaro making?

A: Imagine someone with a mob-like face smugly doing a “Yare yare daze”, where instead of mild exasperation, there is only an air of smugness. It’s a face that makes hundreds of people, regardless of gender, clench their fists at him.

Q: Do the municipal hall employees in the Dungeon Stores leak an adventurer’s info?

A: Dungeon Stores are a collection of many shops—like convenience stores—and there are common folks working in those shops. As such, it is possible for information to leak “by accident”

Q: Those aunties sensed the almost zero-presence Kyotaro right away…can they be Awakened Ones too!?

A: No. It’s just that in a place devoid of people, he would inevitably stand out no matter how faint Kyotaro’s presence might be. As for why the aunties thought he was an Awakened One, well, most young people won’t visit this town. If there had been 2 or 3 other people, Kyotaro would have blended into the background and be undetectable.

---

Please consider supporting me. You can do this either by turning off adblock for this blog, buying me a ko-fi, or via my Patreon page (link here). Thank you.

---

Previous Chapter

Next Chapter